Innholdsfortegnelse for Friday, October 07, 2016 i Baseball America

Baseball America|Friday, October 07, 2016

FROM THE archives

OCTOBER 31 1999 » IN THIS ISSUE: Pat Burrell leads the pack in the Eastern League on his way to Philadelphia. » ALSO: Full coverage of the Triple-A World Series, and Trenton takes home the ugly logo crown. We’ll see what happens, Pat Burrell told himself. After just three weeks as the Reading left fielder, he chugged in to scoop up a base hit with a runner rounding third, and what did he get? A handful of soggy ball, damp from a recent rain. Oh, no. He heaved it home having no idea where it would land. Next thing he knew, the ball zipped directly to the glove of the Phillies’ catcher, who tagged out the runner. Lefthander Tom Jacquez, Burrell’s roommate, pumped his fist in excitement. Burrell could be…

1 min

Baseball America|Friday, October 07, 2016

Angels’ failures derail Trout’s MVP chances

Baseball Writer, ESPN.com ANAHEIM Mike Trout’s claim to the designation of “best player in baseball” is no longer fodder for debate. Remember the hot take from last season—that Bryce Harper had caught up to Trout and they were on an equal footing as the Mantle and Mays of their generation? That argument has died a slow death since Harper’s torrid April. On the grand measuring stick of MLB’s elite, there’s Trout and everybody else. The impact extends beyond the field. Trout’s fellow Angels love him because he’s so humble and reliable. Fans love him because when they line up for autographs and selfies, he’s on the other side of the railing, ready to oblige. Trout is cheerful and vanilla—with the exception of a recent car accident, he never makes off-field…

5 min

Baseball America|Friday, October 07, 2016

IN SHORT | PEPPER

Netherlands Wins Another Euro Crown Once again, the Netherlands stands at the pinnacle of European baseball. The Dutch National Team defended its European Baseball Championship by going a perfect 9-0 in the tournament, including a 3-2 win over Spain in the championship game. Yurendell De Caster singled in the winning run in the bottom of the 10th in the deciding game. Loek Van Mil picked up the win with two scoreless innings. This was Spain’s first appearance in the European Baseball Championship’s title game. It was the Netherlands’ 22nd Euro championship. Italy finished third and Germany finished fourth. Japan Takes Home Women’s World Cup Japan’s reign as the top women’s baseball team in the world continued in convincing fashion at the 2016 Women’s World Cup, held in South Korea. The…

2 min

Baseball America|Friday, October 07, 2016

Scout’s passion creates miracles

Editor in Chief Baseball America johnmanuel @baseballamerica.com After talking with him, I get the sense that when John Tumminia prays, he’s not praying for Chris Sale’s elbow, or for Tim Anderson to develop plate discipline. He’s loyal to his employer, the Chicago White Sox, and he’s especially loyal to longtime team owner Jerry Reinsdorf, as many, many White Sox employees are. But from my impression after talking with the White Sox professional scout, Tumminia’s prayers go deeper than the “Good Guys.” They go to the core of baseball, the interactions between people playing the game. Baseball isn’t a solo sport, and Tumminia isn’t a solo agent when it comes to his Baseball Miracles organization. But he’s the driving force and spirit behind the group, a team of volunteer baseball and…

4 min

Baseball America|Friday, October 07, 2016

Erceg finds refuge on field, as Brewers find corner bat

Lucas Erceg has always been self-motivated. He had to be. The product of an alcoholic mother and stern father, Erceg saw baseball as an escape, with a ballfield the only place he felt successful. With no real role models, Erceg sometimes fell into trouble. He didn’t study much, he partied a little too much, and then, after a coach pulled plenty of strings to get him into Cal, he flunked out. He thought he had squandered his talent, figured his baseball life was over. It was actually a new beginning. He transferred to NAIA Menlo (Calif.), became one of the top sluggers in the college draft class and worked his way into the second round of the draft and a million-dollar contract with the Brewers. He quickly became one of…

8 min

Baseball America|Friday, October 07, 2016

Reyes stands above talented PCL field

LEAGUE SUPERLATIVES CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES El Paso (Padres) 3 Oklahoma City (Dodgers) 1 BEST RECORD Nashville (Athletics) 83-59 (.585) MOST VALUABLE PLAYER Hunter Renfroe, of El Paso (Padres) PITCHER OF THE YEAR Brady Rodgers, rhp Fresno (Astros) DID NOT QUALIFY Julio Urias, lhp Oklahoma City (Dodgers) THE SECOND TEN: 11. Josh Hader, lhp, Colorado Springs (Brewers). 12. Albert Almora, of, Iowa (Cubs). 13. Manuel Margot, of, El Paso (Padres). 14. Teoscar Hernandez, of, Fresno (Astros). 15. Hunter Dozier, 3b, Omaha (Royals). 16. Brock Stewart, rhp, Oklahoma City (Dodgers). 17. Jeimer Candelario, 3b, Iowa (Cubs). 18. Daniel Mengden, rhp, Nashville (Athletics). 19. Brandon Nimmo, of, Las Vegas (Mets). 20. Anthony Banda, lhp, Reno (Diamondbacks). 1. ALEX REYES RHP MEMPHIS (CARDINALS) AGE: 22. B-T: R-R. HT: 6-3. WT: 175. SIGNED: Dominican Republic, 2012.…

7 min

Baseball America|Friday, October 07, 2016

Bregman found power in Corpus Christi

LEAGUE SUPERLATIVES CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES Midland (Athletics) 3 NW Arkansas (Royals) 1 BEST RECORD Corpus Christi (Astros) 85-55 (.607) PLAYER OF THE YEAR Matt Chapman, 3b Midland (Athletics) PITCHER OF THE YEAR Chase De Jong, rhp Tulsa (Dodgers) DID NOT QUALIFY Raul A. Mondesi, ss NW Arkansas (Royals) 1. ALEX BREGMAN SS/3B CORPUS CHRISTI (ASTROS) AGE: 22. B-T: R-R. HT.: 6-0. WT.: 180. DRAFTED: Louisiana State, 2015 (1). While Bregman doesn’t have the jaw-dropping physical tools of fellow Astros shortstop Carlos Correa, he brought quality tools and an even more impressive approach and attitude to a brief Double-A stopover on his way to the big leagues. Bregman’s short, simple stroke drew raves from evaluators as a low-maintenance swing that will collect bushels of hits. He shows no fear about hitting with…

6 min

Baseball America|Friday, October 07, 2016

Rosario earns top spot in return to FSL

LEAGUE SUPERLATIVES CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES Bradenton (Pirates) 3 Tampa (Yankees) 1 BEST RECORD Clearwater (Phillies) 82-54 (.603) PLAYER OF THE YEAR Aristides Aquino, of Daytona (Reds) PITCHER OF THE YEAR Luis Castillo, rhp Jupiter (Marlins) DID NOT QUALIFY James Kaprielian, rhp Tampa (Yankees) THE SECOND TEN: 11. Luis Castillo, rhp, Jupiter (Marlins). 12. Brent Honeywell, rhp, Charlotte (Rays). 13. Fernando Romero, rhp, Fort Myers (Twins). 14. Scott Kingery, 2b, Clearwater (Phillies). 15. Christin Stewart, of, Lakeland (Tigers). 16. Brandon Woodruff, rhp, Brevard County (Brewers). 17. Conner Greene, rhp, Dunedin (Blue Jays). 18. Chance Adams, rhp, Tampa (Yankees). 19. Justin Williams, of, Charlotte (Rays). 20. Tomas Nido, c, St. Lucie (Mets). 1. AMED ROSARIO SS ST. LUCIE (METS) AGE: 20. B-T: R-R. HT: 6-2. WT: 190. SIGNED: Dominican Republic, 2012. While Rosario…

7 min

Baseball America|Friday, October 07, 2016

Puk, premium pitchers power NYP ranks

LEAGUE SUPERLATIVES CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES State College (Cardinals) 2 Hudson Valley (Rays) 0 BEST RECORD State College (Cardinals) 50-26 (.658) MOST VALUABLE PLAYER* Tyler Hill, of Lowell (Red Sox) PITCHER OF THE YEAR* Harol Gonzalez, rhp Brooklyn (Mets) DID NOT QUALIFY Logan Shore, rhp Vermont (Athletics) THE SECOND TEN: 11. Adonis Medina, rhp, Williamsport (Phillies). 12. Keegan Akin, lhp, Aberdeen (Orioles). 13. C.J. Chatham, ss, Lowell (Red Sox). 14. Austin Hays, of, Aberdeen (Orioles). 15. Tyler Hill, of, Lowell (Red Sox). 16. Josh Pennington, rhp, Lowell (Red Sox). 17. Aaron Civale, rhp, Mahoning Valley (Indians). 18. Garrett Whitley, of, Hudson Valley (Rays). 19. Daz Cameron, of, Tri-City (Astros). 20. Alex Wells, lhp, Aberdeen (Orioles). * As selected by Baseball America 1. A.J. PUK LHP VERMONT (ATHLETICS) AGE: 21. B-T: L-L. HT.:…

7 min

Baseball America|Friday, October 07, 2016

Premium arms lead the way in Pioneer

LEAGUE SUPERLATIVES CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES Orem (Angels) 2 Billings (Reds) 0 BEST RECORD Great Falls (White Sox) 47-28 (.627) MOST VALUABLE PLAYER Meibrys Viloria, c Idaho Falls (Royals) PITCHER OF THE YEAR Aron McRee, rhp Great Falls (White Sox) DID NOT QUALIFY Matt Thaiss, 1b Orem (Angels) THE SECOND TEN: 11. Pedro Gonzalez, of, Grand Junction (Rockies). 12. Meibrys Viloria, c, Idaho Falls (Royals). 13. Mitch Hansen, of, Ogden (Dodgers). 14. Cody Thomas, of, Ogden (Dodgers). 15. Colton Welker, 3b, Grand Junction (Rockies). 16. Keibert Ruiz, c, Ogden Raptors (Dodgers). 17. Jose Gomez, ss, Grand Junction (Rockies). 18. Ian Kahaloa, rhp, Billings (Reds). 19. Demi Orimoloye, of, Helena (Brewers). 20. Bernardo Flores, lhp, Great Falls (White Sox). 1. RILEY PINT RHP GRAND JUNCTION (ROCKIES) AGE: 18. B-T: R-R. HT: 6-4. WT:…

7 min

Baseball America|Friday, October 07, 2016

Parmelee’s home run gives Scranton a title

MEMPHIS One pitch made all the difference on Sept. 20 in the Triple-A National Championship at AutoZone Park, which pitted the winners of the International and Pacific Coast Leagues in a one-game winner-take-all event. Walker Lockett threw it for El Paso, having already yielded leadoff singles to Mark Payton and Clint Frazier, two-thirds of the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre outfield, to start the game. Chris Parmelee hit it, lofting a fly ball to right field that snuck inside the foul pole and over the 322-foot sign in the right-field corner. Just like that, three batters into the game, Scranton had a 3-0 lead. Lefthander Jordan Montgomery pitched five strong innings before leaving in the sixth, when El Paso scratched out a run, but three relievers held the minors’ most explosive offense in check…

13 min

Baseball America|Friday, October 07, 2016

Nationals agree to sign Hernandez

The Nationals have an agreement to sign 29-year-old Cuban outfielder Yadiel Hernandez for $200,000, pending a physical, according to multiple sources. Hernandez is exempt from the international bonus pools, though he’s expected to sign a minor league contract. Hernandez, a lefty who is 5-foot-10, 185 pounds, ranked as the No. 16 player last year in Baseball America’s rankings of the top players still in Cuba. During his final season (2014-15) in Cuba’s top league, Serie Nacional, Hernandez batted .369/.509/.535 with 77 walks, 47 strikeouts and seven home runs in 369 plate appearances. He ranked second in the league in batting average, OBP and walks, fifth in slugging and tied for third in doubles (20). Hernandez doesn’t have one standout tool that grades out as plus, but he has shown a…

3 min

Baseball America|Friday, October 07, 2016

Is David Ortiz having the best farewell season of all time?

Baseball Analyst, Senior Writer ESPN.com PHILADELPHIA Nearly 19,000 men have played baseball in the major leagues. I’ve decided that their careers all had one thing in common: Not one of them had a final season as spectacular as the grand finale currently being crafted by a man named David Americo Ortiz Arias. Willie Mays hit .211 the year he said goodbye. Hank Aaron batted .229. Harmon Killebrew hit .199. Goose Gossage had a 4.18 ERA. Robin Roberts went 5-8, 4.82. John Smoltz and Phil Niekro both had ERAs north of 6.00. And that’s normal. Try to digest what Big Papi has accomplished. Heading into mid-September, he led the whole sport in slugging. He led the whole sport in doubles. He led the whole sport in OPS. And he’s 40 years…

5 min

Baseball America|Friday, October 07, 2016

Preller suspended 30 days

Major League Baseball announced in September that it had suspended Padres general manager A.J. Preller for 30 days without pay following an investigation into the July 14 trade that sent Drew Pomeranz to the Red Sox for righthander Anderson Espinoza. MLB’s Department of Investigations conducted a review of the trade, including “interviews with relevant indivudals from both clubs” and the findings were submitted to commissioner Rob Manfred, according to an MLB statement. The Padres said in a statement, “We accept the discipline handed down from Major League Baseball and will fully comply with Commissioner Manfred’s recommendations pertaining to changes with our medical administration and record keeping. Rest assured we will leave no stone unturned in developing comprehensive processes to remediate this unintentional, but inexcusable, occurrence. To be clear, we believe…

3 min

Baseball America|Friday, October 07, 2016

Scully recounts memories from five-decade career

Vin Scully has been a part of Dodgers broadcasts since 1950, when the team was in Brooklyn, and has been the franchise’s principal voice since it moved west to Los Angeles in 1958.Scully recapped highlights from his career on a conference call with media in September. On calling his last game in San Francisco, and how it’s fitting with how his love of baseball began: SCULLY: I love it. In fact, I couldn’t believe it. I was not quite nine years old, I was walking home from grammar school, and I went by a Chinese laundry and in the window was the line score of the World Series game that would be Oct. 2, 1936, and the Yankees beat up the Giants 18-4. And as a little boy my first…

2 min

Baseball America|Friday, October 07, 2016

With reliever prices so high, more teams move to develop their own

Columnist, MLB Network BOSTON At the trade deadline, three teams traded for frontline closers. “In every case,” one general manager said, “they paid a heavy price.” Brian Cashman played it perfectly. He had Aroldis Chapman and Andrew Miller. From the Cubs, he got Gleyber Torres, seen as a future star third baseman with big right-center field power made for Yankee Stadium, as well as Adam Warren and Billy McKinney for Chapman. From the Indians, he got outfielder Clint Frazier, who has electric bats speed, as well as starter Justus Sheffield and two relievers. It was worth the price for the Indians, because Miller can be used any way he’s needed. “His first outing he came into the game in the seventh inning,” Astros manager A.J. Hinch said. “What did that…

3 min

Baseball America|Friday, October 07, 2016

Alfaro cleans up glove work, claims Captain’s Catcher nod

For years, Jorge Alfaro was a case study in the disconnect between scouting reports and performance. The Colombian catcher was regarded as having an elite arm behind the plate. Yet, he came into this season with a pedestrian 26.6 career caught-stealing percentage. He was considered a premium athlete who moved well, and yet had 28 and 23 passed balls in his two most recent full seasons in 2013 and 2014. The Phillies’ backstop supposedly had the tools to be great. He just wasn’t. That all changed this year at Double-A Reading. Suddenly, the elite arm began showing up in games. Suddenly, the athleticism started resulting in balls getting blocked. Suddenly, Alfaro became as good as he was supposed to be. Alfaro threw out 44 percent of runners this season, a…

5 min

Baseball America|Friday, October 07, 2016

League rankings start prospect season right

Baseball America has been ranking the top prospects in each minor league since 1982. Every year we talk to managers, coaches and scouts to determine the players in each league who project to be future big league contributors. Consider this the start of the prospect season, which will continue as we rank the Top 10 Prospects for every organization in print and online at BaseballAmerica.com, followed by the Top 30 Prospects lists for each team in the Baseball America Prospect Handbook. And after the Handbook arrives, we’ll rank the Top 100 Prospects in all of baseball. To qualify for the league lists, starting pitchers need to have one-third of an inning for each team game (about 22-26 innings in a short-season league and 44-46 innings in a full-season league). Relievers…

2 min

Baseball America|Friday, October 07, 2016

Dynamic Moncada claims top spot in EL

LEAGUE SUPERLATIVES CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES Akron (Indians) 3 Trenton (Yankees) 0 BEST RECORD Reading (Phillies) 89-52 (.631) MOST VALUABLE PLAYER Dylan Cozens, of Reading (Phillies) PITCHER OF THE YEAR German Marquez, rhp Hartford (Rockies) DID NOT QUALIFY Erick Fedde, rhp Harrisburg (Nationals) THE SECOND TEN: 11. Raimel Tapia, of, Hartford (Rockies). 12. Jorge Alfaro, c, Reading (Phillies). 13. Dylan Cozens, of, Reading (Phillies). 14. Bradley Zimmer, of, Akron (Indians). 15. Dominic Smith, 1b, Binghamton (Mets). 16. Chance Sisco, c, Bowie (Orioles). 17. Tyler Beede, rhp, Richmond (Giants). 18. Chance Adams, rhp, Trenton (Yankees). 19. Kevin Newman, ss, Altoona (Pirates). 20. Dustin Fowler, of, Trenton (Yankees). 1. YOAN MONCADA 2B/3B PORTLAND (RED SOX) AGE: 21. B-T: B-R. HT: 6-2. WT: 205. SIGNED: Cuba, 2015. The Minor League Player of the Year, Moncada…

7 min

Baseball America|Friday, October 07, 2016

Castellani comes into his own in California

LEAGUE SUPERLATIVES CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES High Desert (Rangers) 3 Visalia (Diamondbacks) 0 BEST RECORD High Desert (Rangers) 82-58 (.586) MOST VALUABLE PLAYER Luis Urias, 2b Lake Elsinore (Padres) PITCHER OF THE YEAR Josh Sborz, rhp Rancho Cucamonga (Dodgers) DID NOT QUALIFY Luis Ortiz, rhp High Desert (Rangers) 1. RYAN CASTELLANI RHP MODESTO (ROCKIES) AGE: 20. B-T: R-R. HT.: 6-3. WT.: 210. DRAFTED: HS—Phoenix, 2014 (2). Castellani gained 15 pounds from offseason workouts and saw his stuff jump as a result, with his two-seam fastball going from 88-93 mph to 92-95 with late sink as it comes from his three-quarters arm slot. Castellani’s slider earns consistent plus grades from evaluators, while his changeup is on track to becoming a quality third pitch. With three potential plus pitches, all of which he commands,…

6 min

Baseball America|Friday, October 07, 2016

Senzel soars to No. 1 in loud pro debut

LEAGUE SUPERLATIVES CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES Great Lakes (Dodgers) 3 Clinton (Mariners) 1 BEST RECORD Clinton (Mariners) 86-54 (.614) MOST VALUABLE PLAYER Eloy Jimenez, of South Bend (Cubs) PITCHER OF THE YEAR* Evan Manarino, lhp Beloit (Athletics) DID NOT QUALIFY Triston McKenzie, rhp Lake County (Indians) THE SECOND TEN: 11. Luiz Gohara, lhp, Clinton (Mariners). 12. Magneuris Sierra, of, Peoria (Cardinals). 13. Jon Harris, rhp, Lansing (Blue Jays). 14. Albert Abreu, rhp, Quad Cities (Astros). 15. Matt Thaiss, 1b, Burlington (Angels). 16. Beau Burrows, rhp, West Michigan (Tigers). 17. Trent Clark, of, Wisconsin (Brewers). 18. Jake Cronenworth, ss, Bowling Green (Rays). 19. Eli Alvarez, 2b, Peoria (Cardinals). 20. Lucas Erceg, 3b, Wisconsin (Brewers). *As selected by Baseball America 1. NICK SENZEL 3B DAYTON (REDS) AGE: 21. B-T: R-R. HT.: 6-1. WT.: 205.…

7 min

Baseball America|Friday, October 07, 2016

Tooled-up outfielders lead way in NWL

LEAGUE SUPERLATIVES CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES Eugene (Cubs) 2 Everett (Mariners) 1 BEST RECORD Eugene (Cubs) 54-22 (.711) MOST VALUABLE PLAYER Eric Filia, of Everett (Mariners) MOST VALUABLE PITCHER Manuel Rondon, lhp Eugene (Cubs) DID NOT QUALIFY Cal Quantrill, rhp Tri-City (Padres) THE SECOND TEN: 11. Joey Lucchesi, lhp, Tri-City (Padres). 12. Patrick Murphy, rhp, Vancouver (Blue Jays). 13. D.J. Wilson, of, Eugene (Cubs). 14. Gio Brusa, of, Salem-Keizer (Giants). 15. Bryson Brigman, ss/2b, Everett (Mariners). 16. Chris Pieters, 1b/of, Eugene (Cubs). 17. Matt Krook, lhp, Salem-Keizer (Giants). 18. Melvin Adon, rhp, Salem-Keizer (Giants). 19. Tyler Ferguson, rhp, Spokane (Rangers). 20. Buddy Reed, of, Tri-City (Padres) 1. LEODY TAVERAS OF SPOKANE (RANGERS) AGE: 18. B-T: B-R. HT: 6-1. WT: 170. SIGNED: Dominican Republic, 2015. Signed for $2.1 million in 2015, Taveras started…

7 min

Baseball America|Friday, October 07, 2016

Taveras leads deep crop of AZL hitters

LEAGUE SUPERLATIVES CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES AZL Mariners 2 AZL Angels 0 BEST RECORD AZL Dodgers 33-22 (.600) MOST VALUABLE PLAYER Oscar Gonzalez, of AZL Indians PITCHER OF THE YEAR* Luis Ledo, rhp AZL White Sox DID NOT QUALIFY Cal Quantrill, rhp AZL Padres THE SECOND TEN: 11. Anderson Tejeda, ss, Rangers. 12. Dustin May, rhp, Dodgers. 13. Oscar Gonzalez, of, Indians. 14. Sandro Fabian, of, Giants. 15. Mario Feliciano, c, Brewers. 16. Kole Enright, 3b, Rangers. 17. Joe Rizzo, 3b, Mariners. 18. Gabriel Garcia, 1b, Brewers. 19. Amado Nunez, ss, White Sox. 20. Sebastian Rivero, c, Royals. * As selected by Baseball America 1. LEODY TAVERAS OF RANGERS AGE: 17. B-T: B-R. HT: 6-1. WT: 170. SIGNED: Dominican Republic, 2015. The switch-hitting Taveras quickly generated a buzz in the AZL, playing…

7 min

Baseball America|Friday, October 07, 2016

Teams band together to help flood victims

As the rain began to fall in Baton Rouge on Friday, Aug. 11, Louisiana State coach Paul Mainieri sat in his office, thinking he had better grab his umbrella when he left for home. The rain, which began innocuously, kept coming and coming. By the time the rain ended that Sunday, 19 inches of rain had fallen in Baton Rouge. Some areas of the state reported more than two feet of rainfall. The heavy rain led to widespread flooding as the waterways were overwhelmed. Mainieri is a native of Miami and has been the coach at LSU for 10 years, and he has seen his fair share of storms over the years. This, however, was different. “Certainly, while it was raining, it was an inordinate amount of rain, but there…

4 min

Baseball America|Friday, October 07, 2016

Columbia, Memphis lead in attendance gains

2016 TOP FIVE ATTENDANCE RISERS AND FALLERS With the 2016 season in the books, Minor League Baseball released its final, official attendance figures, with 41,377,202 fans attending minor league games, marking the 12th consecutive season the minor leagues have eclipsed 41 million fans. This season’s mark is the ninth-largest in history. The Indianapolis Indians (International) led all teams in total attendance, with 636,888 fans coming out to Victory Field. “In cities large and small, our teams continue to offer their communities the very best in affordable, family-friendly entertainment in a clean and safe environment,” Minor League Baseball president Pat O’Conner said. “Minor League Baseball continues to offer what I believe is the best entertainment value in sports, and we are very appreciative of the tremendous fan support received again this…

2 min

Baseball America|Friday, October 07, 2016

Crawford’s Quandry?

MATT VEASEY, @MATTHEWVEASEY It is true that both struggled. Crawford hit .250/.349/.339 between Double-A Reading and Triple-A Lehigh Valley. Williams hit .258/.287/.427 for Triple-A Lehigh Valley. Neither’s season is what would be expected from Top 100 Prospects. Crawford, 21, is one of the best shortstop prospects in the minors while Williams, 23, ranks in the second tier of outfield prospects. That said, you can find more promise in Crawford’s season than Williams’. Mechanically at the plate, scouts say Crawford has taken a step back in the past year. He has struggled to keep his weight back and too often has been caught on his front foot, leading to too many balls hit lightly to the opposite field and too many easy pop-ups. Crawford’s .284 BABIP at Triple-A is less an…

2 min

Baseball America|Friday, October 07, 2016

NCAA, ACC move out of N.C. over new law

paultrap@BaseballAmerica.com The NCAA and Atlantic Coast Conference announced they will move several championship events slated to be held in North Carolina for the 2016-17 school year due to concerns about the state’s controversial House Bill 2, including the Division II College World Series and the ACC baseball tournament. The NCAA announced its decision in mid-September, and the ACC followed suit later that same week. In a statement, NCAA president Mark Emmert said the decision was about fairness and inclusion. “Fairness is about more than the opportunity to participate in college sports, or even compete for championships,” Emmert said. “We believe in providing a safe and respectful environment at our events and are committed to providing the best experience possible for college athletes, fans and everyone taking part in our championships.”…

2 min

Baseball America|Friday, October 07, 2016

Discussing art of a strikeout with ultimate strikeout artist

Columnist, MLB.com DENVER Nolan Ryan pitched a record seven no-hitters and struck out a record 5,714 batters in a big league career that covered 27 seasons. He led a league in strikeouts 11 times, including four times after the age of 40. Claudell Washington was Ryan’s most common strikeout victim, going down 39 times in 102 plate appearances. Rod Carew, a fellow Hall of Famer, and his teammate briefly with the Angels, tied with Larry Hisle for fourth on the strikeout list with 29. But it was pitcher Pat Jarvis who became the 19-year-old Ryan’s first big league strikeout 50 years ago. Jarvis, in fact, struck out in four of the six times he faced Ryan during his career. Ryan recently spoke with me about the art of the strikeout.…

4 min

Baseball America|Friday, October 07, 2016

Unqualified? Only for league lists

To qualify for a Minor League Top 20 Prospects list, we like to say a prospect should have spent about one-third of the season in a league. We quantify that as one plate appearance per team game played for position players, and one-third of an inning per game for starting pitchers. Relievers can also qualify with 10 appearances in short-season leagues or 20 appearances in full-season leagues. Because of injuries, promotions and trades, every year many players fail to reach those marks in any league, even though they would have easily ranked if they had been eligible. Here’s a look atz some of those loophole prospects, listed alphabetically. IAN ANDERSON, RHP, BRAVES Anderson worked on a tight pitch count after a spring high school season that included a mild upper-body…

6 min

Baseball America|Friday, October 07, 2016

Turner, Buxton headline deep IL class

LEAGUE SUPERLATIVES CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES Scranton/W-B (Yankees) 3 Gwinnett (Braves) 1 BEST RECORD Scranton/W-B (Yankees) 91-52 (.636) MOST VALUABLE PLAYER Ben Gamel, of Scranton/W-B (Yankees) MOST VALUABLE PITCHER Jake Thompson, rhp Lehigh Valley (Phillies) DID NOT QUALIFY Lucas Giolito, rhp Syracuse (Nationals) THE SECOND TEN: 11. Ozzie Albies, ss, Gwinnett (Braves). 12. Bradley Zimmer, of, Columbus (Indians). 13. Nick Williams, of, Lehigh Valley (Phillies). 14. Mike Clevinger, rhp, Columbus (Indians). 15. Jose Berrios, rhp, Rochester (Twins). 16. Amir Garrett, lhp, Louisville (Reds). 17. Jose Peraza, ss, Louisville (Reds). 18. Cody Reed, lhp, Louisville (Reds). 19. Aaron Judge, of, Scranton/Wilkes-Barre (Yankees). 20. A.J. Cole, rhp, Syracuse (Nationals). 1. TREA TURNER SS SYRACUSE (NATIONALS) AGE: 23. B-T: R-R. HT.: 6-1. WT.: 185. DRAFTED: North Carolina State, 2014 (1/Padres). The 13th overall pick in…

7 min

Baseball America|Friday, October 07, 2016

Middle infielders, southpaws shine in SL

LEAGUE SUPERLATIVES CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES Jackson (Mariners) 3 Mississippi (Braves) 0 BEST RECORD Jackson (Mariners) 84-55 (.604) MOST VALUABLE PLAYER Tyler O’Neill, of Jackson (Mariners) OUTSTANDING PITCHER Ryan Yarbrough, lhp Jackson (Mariners) DID NOT QUALIFY Edwin Diaz, rhp Jackson (Mariners) THE SECOND TEN: 11. Amir Garrett, lhp, Pensacola (Reds). 12. Dustin Peterson, of, Mississippi (Braves). 13. Stephen Gonsalves, lhp, Chattanooga (Twins). 14. Chih-Wei Hu, rhp, rhp, Montgomery (Rays). 15. Casey Gillaspie, 1b, Montgomery (Rays). 16. Brandon Woodruff, rhp, Biloxi (Brewers). 17. Zach Granite, of, Chattanooga (Twins). 18. Lucas Sims, rhp, Mississippi (Braves). 19. Domingo Leyba, ss, Mobile (Diamondbacks). 20. Carson Fulmer, rhp, Birmingham (White Sox). 1. DANSBY SWANSON SS MISSISSIPPI (BRAVES) AGE: 22. B-T: R-R. HT.: 6-1. WT.: 190. DRAFTED: Vanderbilt, 2015 (1/Diamondbacks). The Diamondbacks made Swanson the No. 1 overall…

7 min

Baseball America|Friday, October 07, 2016

Dynamic Red Sox duo lead a deep class

LEAGUE SUPERLATIVES CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES Myrtle Beach (Cubs) 3 Lynchburg (Indians) 1 BEST RECORD Salem (Red Sox) 87-52 (.626) MOST VALUABLE PLAYER Bobby Bradley, 1b Lynchburg (Indians) PITCHER OF THE YEAR Trevor Clifton, rhp Myrtle Beach (Cubs) DID NOT QUALIFY Ryan O’Hearn, 1b Wilmington (Royals) THE SECOND TEN: 11. Justus Sheffield, lhp, Lynchburg (Indians). 12. Trevor Clifton, rhp, Myrtle Beach (Cubs). 13. Zack Collins, c, Winston-Salem (White Sox). 14. Mauricio Dubon, ss, Salem (Red Sox). 15. Yu-Cheng Chang, ss, Lynchburg (Indians). 16. Anthony Santander, of, Lynchburg (Indians). 17. Max Povse, rhp, Carolina (Braves). 18. Josh Staumont, rhp, Wilmington (Royals). 19. Travis Demeritte, 2b, Carolina (Braves). 20. Max Schrock, 2b, Potomac (Nationals). 1. YOAN MONCADA 2B SALEM (RED SOX) AGE: 21. B-T: B-R. HT.: 6-2. WT.: 205. SIGNED: Cuba, 2015. Moncada stood…

7 min

Baseball America|Friday, October 07, 2016

Robles impresses with speed, bat control

LEAGUE SUPERLATIVES CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES Rome (Braves) 3 Lakewood (Phillies) 1 BEST RECORD Hagerstown (Nationals) 83-57 (.593) MOST VALUABLE PLAYER Brian Mundell, 1b Asheville (Rockies) OUTSTANDING PITCHER Mitch Keller, rhp West Virginia (Pirates) DID NOT QUALIFY Domingo Acevedo, rhp Charleston (Yankees) THE SECOND TEN: 11. Phil Bickford, rhp, Augusta (Giants). 12. Ronald Acuna, of, Rome (Braves). 13. Austin Riley, 3b, Rome (Braves). 14. Ke’Bryan Hayes, 3b, West Virginia (Pirates). 15. Touki Toussaint, rhp, Rome (Braves). 16. Max Schrock, 2b, Hagerstown (Nationals). 17. Gage Hinsz, rhp, West Virginia (Pirates). 18. Jose Taveras, rhp, Lakewood (Phillies). 19. Joe Palumbo, lhp, Hickory (Rangers). 20. Luis Alejando Basabe, 2b, Greenville (Red Sox). 1. VICTOR ROBLES OF HAGERSTOWN (NATIONALS) AGE: 19. B-T: R-R. HT.: 6-0. WT.: 185. SIGNED: Dominican Republic, 2013 Robles hit .352 in his…

7 min

Baseball America|Friday, October 07, 2016

Guerrero hits in aggressive assignment

LEAGUE SUPERLATIVES CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES Johnson City (Cardinals) 2 Burlington (Royals) 0 BEST RECORD Burlington (Royals) 42-26 (.618) PLAYER OF THE YEAR Alex Kirilloff, of Elizabethton (Twins) MOST VALUABLE PITCHER Cristian Castillo, lhp Burlington (Royals) DID NOT QUALIFY Ian Anderson, rhp Danville (Braves) THE SECOND TEN: 11. Josh Lowe, 3b, Princeton (Rays). 12. Derian Cruz, ss, Danville (Braves). 13. Allen Cordoba, ss, Johnson City (Cardinals). 14. Miguelangel Sierra, ss, Greeneville (Astros). 15. Ian Oxnevad, lhp, Johnson City (Cardinals). 16. Garrett Davila, lhp, Burlington (Royals). 17. Yennsy Diaz, rhp, Bluefield (Blue Jays). 18. Travis Blankenhorn, 2b, Elizabethton (Twins). 19. Nicky Lopez, ss, Burlington (Royals). 20. Brett Cumberland, c, Danville (Braves). 1. VLADIMIR GUERRERO JR. 3B BLUEFIELD (BLUE JAYS) AGE: 17. B-T: R-R. HT.: 6-1. WT.: 200. SIGNED: Dominican Republic, 2015. Guerrero, the…

7 min

Baseball America|Friday, October 07, 2016

No. 1 overall pick Moniak sets GCL pace

LEAGUE SUPERLATIVES CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES GCL Cardinals 2 GCL Phillies 1 BEST RECORD GCL Phillies 43-15 (.741) MOST VALUABLE PLAYER Juan Soto, of GCL Nationals PITCHER OF THE YEAR Sixto Sanchez, rhp GCL Phillies DID NOT QUALIFY Ian Anderson, rhp GCL Braves THE SECOND TEN: 11. Kyle Muller, lhp, Braves. 12. Daniel Brito, 2b, Phillies. 13. Derian Cruz, ss, Braves. 14. Carter Kieboom, ss, Nationals. 15. Jhailyn Ortiz, of, Phillies. 16. Dylan Carlson, of, Cardinals. 17. Austin Franklin, rhp, Rays. 18. Lorenzo Cedrola, of, Red Sox. 19. Diego Castillo, ss, Yankees. 20. Lupe Chavez, rhp, Astros. 1. MICKEY MONIAK OF PHILLIES AGE: 18. B-T: L-R. HT.: 6-2. WT.: 185. DRAFTED: HS—Carlsbad, Calif., 2016 (1). Moniak was the No. 1 overall pick in June and signed for $6.1 million. He showed the…

7 min

Baseball America|Friday, October 07, 2016

Wilson Premier Classic belongs to Scorpions

SARASOTA, FLA. The inaugural Wilson Premier Classic nearly went perfectly for the Orlando Scorpions. With teams competing in all three of the event’s age divisions, Scorpions squads went 8-2 and their 2017 graduates and 2019 graduates won their age-group championships. The tournament was held at the Orioles’ spring training complex in Sarasota, Fla., from Sept. 15-18, bringing together 16 travel ball clubs competing in three age groups. In the Class of 2017 championship game at Ed Smith Stadium, the Scorpions defeated the EvoShield Canes, 6-4, in a game that was called in the top of the sixth due to rain and lightning. Earlier in the day, the Scorpions’ Class of 2019 graduates defeated the East Cobb Astros, 11-2, for the title. In the Class of 2018 bracket, East Cobb defeated…

3 min

Baseball America|Friday, October 07, 2016

SCOREBOARD

Transactions Transactions involving minor league players, i.e. those not on 40-man rosters, covering the period Aug. 26-Sept. 15. ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS: Signed RHPs Terry Doyle and Ismael Hilario and OF Jean Selmo. Traded OF Michael Bourn to Orioles for OF Jason Heinrich. ATLANTA BRAVES: Released RHP Wilfredo Boscan. Acquired RHP Josh Collmenter from Cubs and RHP Joe Wieland from Mariners for cash. BALTIMORE ORIOLES: Traded LHP Zach Phillips to Pirates for LHP Kyle Lobstein. Traded OF Jason Heinrich to Diamondbacks for OF Michael Bourn. CHICAGO CUBS: Re-signed LHP Jack Leathersich. Traded RHP Josh Collmenter to Braves for cash. CHICAGO WHITE SOX: Released RHP Ryan Webb. Traded C Dioner Navarro to Blue Jays for LHP Colton Turner. CINCINNATI REDS: Signed RHP Vladimir Gutierrez. CLEVELAND INDIANS: Traded LHP Colt Hynes to Athletics for…

3 min